Hmm, yeah it definitely sounds like I will be asking my doctor about this soon. I've also noticed that it acts up a lot when I swim, only when doing breaststroke, but to the point that I can't do the stroke at all after a couple of laps. And yesterday I was napping the fetal position and my hip aching actually woke me up from the nap - which is actually what prompted me to post.

The pain does feel like it is on the outside and when I googled it, I saw inflamed bursa could be a problem, too.

The muscle imbalance thing also sounds interesting.

I don't think the pain is from pronation. I just got brand new running shoes and was fitted/evaluated. Apparently I'm neutral and have a moderate to high arch. (As a side note, I have to thank TE again b/c you all convinced me I needed to get fitted and it was really worth it. Apparently I've been buying the wrong shoes for years.) And if it was from something going on with pronation or my arches I would think swimming wouldn't cause it. But it could end up being something with support or something the running room woman didn't see.

Tulip - I agree about avoiding the pain killers/meds the doctor might try to prescribe. I haven't taken anything OTC yet, either. At this point I feel like it should be fixable and I want be able to become more athletic, not mask anything right now.

Thanks for all the info. You've confirmed my suspicion that a doctor's visit is in order. Dang it! I'm heading to the mobility store today so hopefully they will have a roller.